KDFW-TV reporter Steve Noviello became part of the story on Monday after tracking down, then interviewing, a 44-year-old woman who allegedly stole his credit card number.

“Can you help other consumers by letting us know how you did this?” Noviello asked the suspect, identified as Farah Parks, as she was being led out of a local hotel by police. “Did you use it online?”

“I actually got it from someone else,” she responded. When he asked who, she replied, “I’m not gonna talk about that.”

Noviello then follows Parks into the elevator, saying, “I’d love your help. I’ve got charges with your name on it for your room for three days.”

According to Noviello, he discovered the apparent ruse after being notified about the room charge. He contacted the hotel and confirmed that Parks had used his card number on a card with her name on it; she was allegedly able to access the room by having the clerk enter the number manually after its magnetic strip did not swipe.

After initially refusing to talk to him, Parks later told Noviello, “I’ve just made some bad choices in my life. I’m aware of that and I apologize.”

“I appreciate your apology and I’m just hoping you might be able to help me,” he replies. “I’m gonna come and make a request to come visit you after you get arrested and we can talk, OK?”

Parks refused Noviello’s request for a follow-up interviewed. She was charged with identity theft and still in custody as of Tuesday night.

About the Author

Arturo R. García is the managing editor at Racialicious.com. He is based in San Diego, California and has written for both print and broadcast media, including contributions to GlobalComment.com, The Root and Comment Is Free. Follow him on Twitter at @ABoyNamedArt